I learned not to be so bitterly defeated when my fiction took a beating from editors. I learned in advertising to color in the lines and have my work done on time and to make it the very best it could be.

So here is what my advice would be: If God has given you a dream, you'd better get cracking because He wants you to use it. That's why He gives them to us in the first place.

Publishing is, by its nature, about deadlines, and deadlines are toxic.

The dark book has been terribly popular. Dark characters, dysfunction, and all sorts of things from reality that are true in our world.

Lord, make me a blessing to someone today

When we turn from our sin, and have the blessed forgiveness of the Almighty, then we can ask Him to run things, and let Him be in charge.

I made real sacrifices and took big risks. But living, it seems to me, is largely about risk.